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1881  J 


BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


MODEL    BY-LAWS  . 


PREPARED   BY  THE 


COMMITTEE 

OF    THE 

Uvitnii  .iodide,  af  Salifaraia, 

* 
I.    O.    O.    F. 

SAN     FRANCISCO. 

1881 


WiNTERBURN  &  CO'S  PRINT. 


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BY-LAWS  y\Sl 
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MEETINGS.  '        V     j 

Sec.  1.     The  regular  meetings  of  this  Lodge 

shall  be  on evening  of  each  week,  at . 

o'clock  from to ,  both  inclusive,  and 

at o'clock  from first  to thirty- 
first,  both  inclusive. 

Sec.  2.  Special  meetings  may  be  called  by  the 
Noble  Grand  at  his  discretion,  and  shall  be  called 
by  him  when  so  required  by  a  vote  of  the  Lodge,  or 
the  request  in  writing  of  five  members.  Notice  of 
all  special  meetings  shall  be  given,  and  no  business 
shall  be  transacted  at  special  meetings  except  such 
as  is  specified  in  the  notice. 

QUOBUM. 

Sec.  3.  At  all  meetings  five  members,  one  of 
whom  must  be  qualified  to  preside,  shall  constitute 
a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Sec.  4.  If  a  quorum  do  not  attend  within  .... 
minutes  after  the  time  for  opening,  the  E.  S.,  or  in 
his  absence  some  brother  present,  shall  make  a 
memorandum  of  the  facts  and  of  the  names  of  the 
brothers  present;  such  memorandum  shall  be  de- 
livered to  the  Lodge  at  the  next  meeting,  and  en- 
tered on  the  minutes. 

membership. 
Sec.  5.     All  applications  for  membership  must, 
in  addition  to  the  constitutional  requirements,  be 


BY-LAWS. 


accompanied  by  the  requisite  fee,  and  a  certificate 
of  the  physical  condition  of  the  applicant,  from  a 
physician  approved  by  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  6.  Should  a  candidate  fail  to  appear  with- 
in six  weeks  after  his  election  and  notice  of  the  fact, 
the  election  shall  be  null  and  void,  and  the  advance 
fee  shall  be  returned,  unless  further  time  be  granted 
by  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  7.  No  candidate  shall  be  initiated  on  the 
night  of  his  election,  except  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of 
the  members  present.  Every  person  admitted  to 
membership  shall  sign  the  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws,  inform  the  Permanent  Secretary  of  his  place 
of  residence,  and  on  changing  it,  shall  immediately 
give  notice  of  such  change  to  the  Lodge. 

ADMISSION   FEES. 

Sec.  8.  Persons  admitted  to  membership  shall 
pay  the  following  fees,  to  wit: 

By  Initiation,  A.O.  F.  and  Dismissal  Certificate: 

If  . .  years  or  under $ 

From  .  .  to  . .  years,  add  $ . .  for  each  addi- 
tional year 

From  . .  to  50  years,  add  $ . .  for  each  addi- 
tional year 

Over  50  years,  add  $ . .  for  each  additional 

year 

By  Deposit  of  Card: 

If  .  .  years  or  under $ 

And  shall  also  be  the  same  additional,  ac- 
cording to  age,  as  a  candidate  for  initiation. 
Non-beneficial  member $ 

By  Reinstatement: 
After  expulsion $ 


BY-LAWS  5 

Sec.  9.  Ten  dollars  shall  be  charged  for  each 
of  the  First  and  Second  Degrees,  and  for  the  Third, 
five  dollars. 

DEGREES. 

Sec.  10.  Degrees  shall  not  be  granted  to  a  m  em- 
ber indebted  to  the  Lodge,  or  against  whom  there 
are  charges  undecided.  If  the  degrees  be  refused  a 
brother,  no  application  shall  be  again  received  from 
him  within  three  months. 


Sec.  11.     The  fee  for  Visiting  Cards  shall  be 
$ The  fee  for  Withdrawal  Cards  shall  be  $ 


Sec.  12.     Each  member  (except  non-bene- 
ficial) shall  pay  as  dues,  per  quarter  (or 

month) $. 

Non-beneficial  member,  per  quarter 


ASSESSMENTS  AND   FINES,    WHEN   DUE. 

Sec.  13.  Assessments  and  fines  shall  be  due 
and  payable  on  the  next  regular  meeting  after  being 
levied  and  imposed. 

FUNDS. 

Sec.  14.  The  funds  of  the  Lodge  shall  be  invested 
only  in  or  upon  the  security  of  real  estate  or  bonds 
of  the  United  States  or  State  of  California,  or  de- 
posited at  interest  in  savings  banks;  but  no  more 
than  two-thirds  of  the  entire  funds  shall  be  placed 
or  remain  in  any  one  of  such  investments. 

Sec.  15  Investments  made  in  conformity  with 
Section  .  .  shall  not  be  changed  by  the  Lodge,  ex- 
cept by  a  two-thirds  vote,  after  the  motion  for  that 
purpose  has  been  laid  over  for weeks. 


b  BY-LAWS. 

Sec.  16.  Benefits  due,  and  the  current  expenses 
of  the  Lodge,  may  be  paid  by  a  majority  vote  at  any 
meeting,  but  no  money  shall  be  otherwise  paid  out 
in  an  amount  exceeding  $25  to  any  one  person  or 
for  any  one  purpose,  except  by  a  two-thirds  vote; 
and  in  amounts  exceeding  $50,  except  by  resolution, 
which  shall  be  laid  over  at  least  one  week,  and  be 
adopted  by  a  two-thirds  vote. 

Sec.  17.  Funds  shall  in  no  case  be  loaned  to 
members. 

BENEFITS. 

Sec.  18.  Benefits  paid  by  this  Lodge  in  case  of 
sickness  or  disability  shall  be  as  follows: 

For  and  during  the  first  two  weeks: 

Initiates $ 

Member  of  the  First  Degree $ 

Member  of  the  Second  Degree $ 

Member  of  the  Third  Degree   $ 

And  for  and  during  the  remainder  of  such  sickness: 

Initiates $ 

Member  of  the  First  Degree $ 

Member  of  the  Second  Degree $ 

Member  of  the  Third  Degree $..... 

Provided,  that  no  benefits  shall  be  paid  for  a  part 
of  a  week's  sickness,  or  for  any  sickness  caused  by 
intemperance,  improper  or  immoral  conduct. 

Sec.  19.  Benefits  are  in  no  case  to  be  paid  for 
more  than  one  week  anterior  to  a  report  being  made 
to  the  Lodge,  an  elective  officer  thereof,  or  to  a 
member  of  the  Visiting  Committee,  if  the  brother 
resides  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Lodge,  but  if 
out  of  such  jurisdiction,  and  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  some  other  Lodge  or  Belief  Committee,  to 
such  Lodge   or  Relief   Committee.      The  Visiting 


BY-LAWS. 


Committee  must  in  every  instance  report  on  a  case 
before  payment  of  benefits. 

Sec.  20.  Any  brother  sick  while  absent  from 
the  jurisdiction  of  this  or  any  other  Lodge  or  Relief 
Committee,  claiming  benefits,  shall  present  to  the 
Lodge  a  certificate  of  a  physician,  or  if  on  a  vessel 
without  a  physician,  of  the  master  thereof,  stating 
the  cause  and  nature  of  such  disability,  which  cer- 
tificate shall  be  verified  before  some  competent 
officer ;  and  such  a  certificate  shall  be  furnished  for 

each   weeks  for  which  benefits  are  claimed. 

Initiates  shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits  for  the  first 
six  months,  and  other  brothers  for  the  first  three 
months,  of  membership  or  of  reinstatement. 

Sec.  21  The  widow  of  a  brother  who  at  the 
time  of  his  death  was  entitled  to  sick  benefits,  so 
long  as  she  remains  a  widow  and  maintains  a  good 
character,  if  disabled  by  sickness  or  accident  from 
earning  a  livelihood,  shall  receive  from  the  Lodge 
such  sums  as  the  Lodge  may  think  proper  to  do- 
nate, not  exceeding dollars  per  month. 

FUNERALS. 

Sec.  22.  On  the  death  of  a  brother,  the  sum 
of dollars  shall  be  appropriated  and  paid  to- 
ward defraying  his  funeral  expenses,  and  no  further 
expense  shall  be  incurred  except  such  as  may  be 
necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Lodge^m 
attending  the  funeral.  If  no  funeral  expenses  are 
incurred  by  the  Lodge  or  dependent  relatives  by 
the  death  of  a  brother,  no  appropriation  shall  be 
made. 

Sec  23.  On  the  death  of  a  brother  the  N.  G., 
aided  by  the  other  officers,  shall  prepare  for  the  fu- 
neral and  summon  the  members  to  attend  bv  notice. 


$  BY-LAWS. 

Sec.  24.  At  the  funeral,  before  leaving  the 
Lodge-room,  the  Recording  Secretary  shall  issue  to 
each  member  reporting,  a  check,  under  seal  and 
numbered,  and  shall  enter  in  a  book  the  name  of 
each  brother  receiving  such  check,  numbered  to 
correspond  with  the  check . 

Sec.  25.  After  the  funeral  and  at  the  place  of 
burial,  each  brother  shall  deliver,  in  person,  his 
check  to  the  marshal,  who  shall,  at  or  before  the 
next  meeting,  return  the  same  to  the  Permanent 
Secretary.     Each  check  so  returned   shall   entitle 

the  brother  to  a  credit  of  $ Checks  shall 

only  be  delivered  and  ^returned  in  the  manner  and 
at  the  times  provided  in  this  section. 

FUNERAL    ASSESSMENTS. 

Sec.  26.  At  the  next  regular  meeting,  the  Noble 
Grand  shall  declare  levied,  a  funeral  assessment  of 
$ .  . . .  upon  each  member  of  the  Lodge,  to  be 
charged  to  his  account. 

PENALTIES. 

Sec.  27.  A  member  in  arrears  more  that  thir- 
teen weeks,  either  for  dues,  assessments,  or  fines, 
shall  not  be  entitled  to  speak  or  vote  on  any  ques- 
tion before  the  Lodge.  He  shall  not  be  entitled  to 
benefits  on  account  of  any  disability  that  may  accrue 
while  so  in  arrears;  nor  for weeks  after  pay- 
ing the  same. 

Sec.  28.   A  member  of  the  Visiting  Committee 

neglecting  his  duty,  or  a  brother  neglecting  or  re- 
fusing to  watch  with  the  sick,  after  notification  by 
the  N.  G.  or  Visiting  Committee,  shall  be  fined  not 
exceeding  $ 


BY-LAWS. 


Sec.  29.  Any  member  accepting  an  appoint- 
ment on  a  committee  and  failing  to  attend  to  the 
duties  thereof,  shall  be  fined  not  exceeding  $ 

BALLOTS   AND   ELECTIONS. 

Sec.  30.  When  balloting  the  ballot-box  shall  be 
placed  in  full  view  of  the  Noble  Grand  The  mem- 
bers shall  advance  singly  and  deposit  their  ballots, 
which  shall  be  inspected  by  the  Noble  Grand  and 
his  Supporters,  and  the  result  declared  by  the 
Noble  Grand. 

Sec.  31.  At  elections  for  officers  and  represen- 
tatives, the  Warden  (with  two  tellers  appointed  by 
the  Noble  Grand)  shall  receive,  canvass  the  votes 
and  declare  the  result  to  the  Noble  Grand, who  shall 
announce  it  to  the  Lodge.  Members  shall  vote  as 
their  names  are  called  by  the  Permanent  Secretary. 
A  majority  of  the  votes  cast  shall  be  necessary  to 
elect.  If  on  the  second  ballot  there  be  no  choice, 
the  third  shall  be  taken  between  the  two  brothers 
having  the  most  votes. 

OFFICERS     AND    THEIR    DUTIES. 

Sec.  32.  Official  duties  are  prescribed  by  the 
obligations  and  charges  of  office,  the  general  laws 
and  usages  of  the  Order,  the  Constitution  and  these 
By-Laws. 

NOBLE    GRAND. 

Sec.  33.  The  Noble  Grand  shall  require  officers 
and  members  of  committees  to  perform  their  duties; 
appoint  committees  not  othewise  provided  for; 
give  the  casting  vote  only,  except  at  elections  and 
on  applications  for  membership ;  sign  orders  drawn 
by  the  Kecording  Secretary  on  the  Treasurer  for 
moneys  legally  voted;  previous  to  closing  require 
the  Permanent  Secretary  to  read  the  receipts  of  the 
evening,  and  ask  the  Treasurer  if  he  has  received 


10  BY-LAWS. 

the  same.  He  shall  also,  on  the  evening  of  in- 
stallation, appoint  a  Finance  Committee  to  serve 
for  the  term,  consisting  of  three  members,  not  hav- 
ing charge  of  Lodge  funets. 

VICE    GRAND. 

Sec.  34,  The  Vic  3  Grand  shall  preside  in  the 
absence  of  the  Noble  Grond,  and  shall  perform  such 
other  duties  as  are  prescribed  in  the  laws  and 
usages  of  the  Order. 

RECORDING   SECRETARY. 

Sec.  35.  The  Recording  Secretary  shall  have 
charge  of  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  and  affix  the  same 
to  official  docments  when  so  directed  by  the  proper 
authority.  He  shall  keep  accurate  minutes  of  Lodge 
proceedings,  sign  or  attest,  as  the  case  may  be, 
cards  certificates,  drafts,  and  official  documents. 
endorse  and  file  all  papers  pertaining  to  Lodge  trans- 
actions. Number  serially  and  rile  all  communica- 
tions from  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary. 
and  enter  an  abstract  thereof,  and  the  number,  on 
the  minutes:  keep  the  Black  Book,  in  which  shall 
be  recorded  the  suspensions,  rejections,  expulsions. 
and  reinstatements  in  this  jurisdiction,  stating  date 
and  cause;  give  the  notice  required  by  Article  VII. 
Section  8  of  the  Constitution,  and  perform  all  other 
duties  required  by  law  and  usage. 

PERMANENT   SECRETARY. 

Sec.  36.  A  Permanent  Secretary  sha.l,be  elected 

annually  at  the  last  regular  meeting   in and 

receive  such  compensation  as  the  Lodge  shall  from 
time  to  time  determine.  He  shall  keep  in  a  regular 
set  of  books,  including  Ledger.  Journal.  Receipt 
and  Cash  Books,  and  "such  others  as  may  be  re- 
quired by  the  Lodge  and  the  laws  and  usages  of 


BY-LAWS.  11 

the  Order,  all  the  accounts  of  the  Lodge  with  its 
members  or  others.  He  shall  also  keep  a  book  in 
which  the  residence  of  each  member  is  recorded, 
and  in  which  he  shall  note  any  change  of  the  same. 
He  shall  receive  and  receipt  for  all  money  due  the 
Lodge,  and  pay  the  same  to  the  Treasurer  at  each 
Lodge  meeting.  He  shall  give  the  notices  required 
by  Section  1  of  Article  VII  of  the  Constitution,  and 
shall  keep  a  copy  of  the  same,  or  the  substance 
thereof,  with  the  date,  on  a  stub,  to  be  retained  by 
him  in  a  book  prepared  for  that  purpose;  keep  a 

f  the  names  of  members  elected  to  degrees, 
with  the  date  and  number;  endorse  cards  of  visit- 
ors; during  the  months  of  June  and  December  of 

year,  and  previous  to  the  last  meeting  in  said 
months,  notify  each  member  who  is  in  any  way  in- 
debted to  the  Lodge,  of  the  state  of  his  account; 
assist  the  Becording  Secretary  in  making  his  term 
reports,  and  render  to  the  Lodge  at  the  close  of  each 
term  an  abstract  of  all  accounts  on  Lodge  books, 
together  with  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the 
term.  He  shall  also  furnish  at  each  election  a  list  of 
the  members  entitled  to  vote  to  the  N.  G.,  under  his 
direction  call  the  same,  and  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  by  the  Lodge,  and  the 
laws  and  usages  of  the  Order. 

TREASURES. 

Sec.  37.  The  Treasurer,  prior  to  installation, 
shall  give  a  joint  and  several  bond,  payable  to  the 
Trustees  in  trust  for  the  Lodge,  in  such  sum  as 
required,  with  two  or  more  sureties  for  the  faithful 
performance  of  his  duty;  reecive  from  the  Permanent 
Secretary,  each  Lodge-night,  the  money  in  his 
hands;  pay  all  orders  drawn  on  him  by  the  Noble 
Grand  by  authority  of  the  Lodge,  and  attested  by  the 
Becording  Secretary  under  the  seal  thereof;  give, 
when  requested  by  the  Noble  Grand  or  Lodge,  a 


12 


statement,  in  writing,  of  money  on  hand;  report,  at 
the  first  meeting  of  each  month,  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures of  the  preceding  month,  with  balance  on 
hand;  at  the  last  meeting  of  each  term,  report  the 
term  receipts  and  expenditures,  and  exhibit  vouchers ; 
and  have  his  books  written  up  for  examination  by 
the  Finance  Committee  within  twenty-four  hours 
thereafter. 

TRUSTEES. 

>  Sec.  38.  The  Trustees  of  this  Lodge  shall  con- 
sist of  three  members  in  good  standing,  to  be  so 
elected  that  the  term  of  office  of  but  one  shall  ex- 
pire semi-annually.  At  each  regular  election  of 
officers  one  Trustee  shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  to 
serve  for  eighteen  months. 

Sec.  39.  The  said  Board  of  Trustees  shall 
Jiold  in  trust  all  stocks,  securities,  investments, 
property  and  funds  'belonging  to  this  Lodge,  and 
transfer,  exchange  or  deposit  the  same  or  any  part 
thereof,  when  required  by  the  Lodge  so  to  do ;  and 
shall  also  keep  the  funds  invested,  for  the  best  in- 
terests of  the  Lodge,  in  such  stocks,  bonds  and 
mortgages,  or  other  securities,  as  shall  be  approved 
of  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present  at  a 
regular  meeting,  or  deposit  the  same  in  some  sav- 
ings bank. 

Sec.  40.  Before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  his 
office,  each  Trustee  shall  give  a  bond,  with  not  less 
than  two  approved  sureties,  in  such  sum  and  upon 
such  conditions  as  the  Lodge  may  require. 

Sec.  41.  It  shall  be  their  duty  to  have  the  gen- 
eral supervision  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased members  of  the  Lodge,  and  render  them 
such  assistance  as  the  Lodge  may  direct,  or  the 
rules  and  usages  of  the  Order  may  require. 


13 


Sec.  42.  On  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  of- 
fice or  removal  therefrom,  they  shall  deliver  to  their 
successors  in  office,  or  such  persons  as  shall  be  ap- 
pointed, all  the  books,  papers,  bonds,  or  other 
property  they  may  have  in  their  hands  belonging  to 
the  Lodge. 

Sec.  43.  They  shall  keep  a  full  and  correct  ac- 
count of  all  money  received,  expended,  or  invested, 
and  at  the  close  of  each  semi-annual  term,  make  a 
full  report  in  writing,  of  all  business  transacted  by 
them  during  the  term,  together  with  a  particular 
statement  of  the  funds  and  investments  belonging 
to  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  44.  The  member  having  the  shortest  term 
to  serve  shall  act  as  President. 


Sec.  45.  The  Warden  shall  canvass  votes,  when 
directed  by  the  Noble  Grand,  and  perform  the  other 
duties  of  his  office. 

OUTSIDE    GUARDIAN. 

Sec.  46.  The  Outside  Guardian  in  addition  to 
the  duties  of  his  office,  shall,  under  the  Warden, 
take  care  of  the  regalia  and  the  Lodge-room,  re- 
ceiving such  compensation  as  the  Lodge  votes. 

CHAPLAIN. 

Sec.  47.  The  Noble  Grand  may  appoint  a  Chap- 
plain,  who  shall  open  and  close  regular  meetings 
with  prayer,  and  perform  such  other  appropriate 
duties  as  the  Lodge  directs. 

JUNIOR   PAST   GEAND. 

Sec.  48.  The  Junior  Past  Grand  shall  attend 
all   regular  meetings,    deliver    the    Past    Grand's 


14  BY-LAWS. 


charge,  and  act  as  Outside  Conductor  when  required 
by  the  Noble  Grand. 

STANDING    COMMITTEES. 

Visiting  Committee . 

Sec.  49.  The  Visiting  Committee  shall  con- 
sist of  the  Noble  Grand,  Vice  Grand,   Treasurer, 

....,    ..; ,    ,    They 

shall  visit  each  brother  reported  sick  within  twenty- 
four  hours  thereafter,  and  see  that  he  is  properly 
cared  for  during  his  sickness  or  disability.  They 
shall  visit  each  sick  brother  each  week,  and  at  such 
times  and  in  such  order  as  the  committee  may  deem 
proper,  or  as  the  Lodge  shall  have  prescribed. 
They  shall  see  that  watchers  are  provided  a  brother, 
whfin  necessary,  from  among  the  members;  or  in 
case  of  contagious  disease,  that  nurses  are  employed 
•under  direction  of  the  Lodge. 

Finance  Committee. 

Sec.  50.  The  Finance  Committee  shall  examine 
and  report  on  all  claims  and  accounts;  audit,  at  the 
end  of  each  term,  the  accounts  of  the  officers  or 
committees  having  charge  of  Lodge  Funds  or  prop- 
erty, and  report  thereon  at  the  first  regular  meeting 
in  each  term,  or  when  required  by  the  Lodge. 

Belief  Committee. 

Sec.  51.  The  Relief  Committee  shall  consist  of 
the  Noble  Grand  and  Vice  Grand,  unless  otherwise 
ordered  subject  to  the  laws  of  the  General  Belief 
Committee. 

COMMITTEES   OF   INVESTIGATION. 

Sec.  52.  Whenever  a  committee  has  been  ap- 
pointed to  investigate  the  character  of  a  candidate 
for  admission,  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  first  examine 


15 


the  Black  Book,  then  ascertain  the  candidate's  age, 
health,  profession,  residence  and  general  character, 
and  make  a  faithful  report  in  writing  at  the  next 
regular  meeting. 

NOTICES. 

Sec.  53.  A  notice  to  a  member  by  the  proper 
Secretary  shall  be  a  legal  notice  if  sent  through  the 
post-office  addressed  to  him  at  his  last  known  resi- 
dence, except  where  personal  or  other  notice  is 
required  by  law. 

EEPOETS   OF   COMMITTEES. 

Sec.  54.  Keports  of  committees,  except  Visiting 
Committees,  shall  be  in  writing,  and  signed  by  a 
majority  thereof. 

EXPLANATION   OF   WOEDS. 

Sec  55.  Whenever  the  word  "member"  or 
"members,"  "brother"  or  "brothers,"  is  used  in 
these  By-Laws,  it  means  "  of  this  Lodge." 

Sec.  56.  The  phrase  "  two-thirds  vote  "  means 
two-thirds  of  those  present  and  entitled  to  vote. 

AMENDMENTS,    ETC. 

Sec.  57.  No  part  of  these  By-Laws  shall  be 
altered,  amended  or  repealed,  except  by  resolution 
offered  at  a  regular  meeting,  laid  over  at  least  one 
week,  and  adopted  by  a  two-thirds  vote. 

Sec.  58.  All  former  By-Laws  and  Kules  are 
hereby  repealed. 


